Recently, most famous artist, Nikas Safronov, met with Pope Francis at the Vatican. The Pope personally blessed him to hold exhibitions in the Vatican and other European countries. Immediately after his audience with the pontiff, Safronov talked to Barbara Jatta, the director of the Vatican Museums. Now, he is preparing works for an exhibition in both the Vatican and Geneva.

The private audience between Pope Francis and one of most renowned contemporary artists took place in a warm atmosphere at the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope’s residence within the Vatican. Safronov presented the Pope with a portrait painted back in 2020, long before this meeting was even envisioned. Nikas Safronov also gave Pope Francis a painting depicting the first place where Francis served—Basilica de San Jose de Flores in Buenos Aires. Notably, this artwork had been aboard the International Space Station from March to September 2022 and ventured out into open space.

«I am grateful to the Pope for this meeting,» said Nikas Safronov. «We talked extensively about culture and the importance of remembering all of humanity’s spiritual heritage. He appreciates art; his surroundings are adorned with paintings by well-known artists, and I’m especially pleased that my work now occupies a place in the pontiff’s unique collection.»

Immediately following his audience with the Pope, Safronov met with Barbara Jatta, the director of the Vatican Museums, to discuss the timeframe of his upcoming exhibition. Afterward, he held a press conference for Vatican and Italian media. A significant outcome was the renewed interest of the European press in art, confirming its global value.

«Art remains a universal language capable of bridging misunderstandings and bringing people together, regardless of their geographical distance,” shared the artist. “My audience with the Pope and subsequent meetings emphasize the primary mission of art today, incorporating my personal mission: to crush boundaries and unite nations. The exhibitions scheduled across Europe will demonstrate that art serves as a bridge connecting different countries and cultures.”

Currently, Safronov is preparing a highly spiritual and moral exhibition for the Vatican, with several potential pieces already having been shown to the Pope during their audience. Following the Vatican show, the artist plans to unveil a unique exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland, dedicated to his muse and long-time friend, the legendary actress Sophia Loren. Key exhibits will include portraits of Sophia painted by Safronov over the years using various techniques—a total of more than 100 works. Remarkably, over 20 of these portraits belong to the personal collection of this Golden Age Hollywood star.

Nikas Safronov’s art has long received international recognition, with his works being part of collections owned by celebrities like Madonna, Sean Connery, Clint Eastwood, Monica Bellucci, Gérard Depardieu, and others. Additionally, many world leaders possess his artworks, including presidents of the United States and Turkey, as well as the kings of Bahrain and Brunei. Since the late 1990s, Safronov has exhibited in numerous countries, such as China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Italy, Greece, Australia, and beyond. Several years ago, his painting titled «Dreams of Italy» sold at Sotheby’s for $106,000.

This isn’t Safronov’s first encounter with a leader of the Roman Catholic Church. In the early 2000s, he met with Pope John Paul II